We often struggle to determine if social anxiety is defined as a disorder or a mental illness. Instead, we tend to normalize it as merely something we experience, allowing it to define our identity.
Social anxiety can be defined in various ways by different individuals. Some may describe it as the fear of being judged or embarrassed. However, from a scientific perspective, it is defined as the fear of social situations, which often leads individuals to avoid social interactions altogether. People with social anxiety frequently experience stress when speaking in public, meeting new people, or even eating in front of others.
While these behaviors may seem unusual to some, social anxiety is more common than many realize. Although kids are not the only ones who struggle with this issue, it has been a struggle for most young adults as well. According to polaristeens.com social anxiety affects one in three adolescents.
Have you ever walked into a grocery store and automatically headed to the aisle you needed to avoid running into someone you know? In school, situations can be quite similar. Consider the feelings that arise when a teacher assigns a presentation for the entire class to watch. Some students feel excited and could happily talk for hours, while others feel anxious and overwhelmed. This assignment can be particularly daunting for students who identify as introverts. They may experience a churning stomach and trembling hands at the thought of speaking in front of their classmates. Some even feel more comfortable working in small groups or alone, especially if they don’t know anyone in the class. This fear can be from many aspects of one’s life, including one’s identity, home environment, and academic performance. Many individuals hesitate to discuss their struggles because they worry about being ridiculed or judged in a way that differs from how they see themselves or how they wish to be seen.
Avoidance is often the key strategy for those who experience social anxiety. Some individuals may walk with their heads down to avoid making eye contact or engaging in conversation. Some will often say big open spaces where everyone can see them cause the jitters. Others might distract themselves by using their phones to play games or text someone, which helps them avoid interaction.
Another sign of social anxiety is the fear of humiliation, which is becoming a significant issue that many students face. While these behaviors may seem like a temporary solution, high school is designed to prepare students for the real world, where communication skills are essential.
4 Ways to Be a Little Less Anxious in School
We may not realize that we are equipped with resources that could help limit our social anxiety. During an interview with the Central Hardin Youth Service Center, they expressed that they have many programs to help various students’ needs.
- Identify the things that are making you feel that way.
2. Find something to distract you from what is making you socially anxious.
3. Practice public speaking in front of a small group.
4. Counting in your head can distract your brain from the people around you in those uncomfortable situations.
Personal experience
As a high school student who has encountered many peers who have trouble going outside of their comfort zone. We struggle to get involved in activities or talk to new people. Many of the staff strive to have personal relationships with kids to help understand each personality. For me, I have a hard time talking to new people. It’s not always the easiest thing to do. But over the years, I have started to learn that someday you’re gonna have to talk to new people. Every day we sit in a classroom and talk to people that we don’t know all that well. Getting out of my comfort zone and talking to someone new has helped me make new friends. An incredible experience was when I joined clubs, it helped me not have that fear of speaking in front of people. Sometimes, we don’t realize that everyone is learning how to live life all at the same time but in different ways.
Message to you
I encourage you if you have social anxiety, to talk to at least a teacher or visit the youth service center to just have a conversation. And to remember that we each have unique personalities. To those who struggle with social anxiety, know that you aren’t alone. Many kids go through the same thing every day, right alongside you.
